A Simplified Method for Improved Determination of Radon Concentration in Environmental Water Samples

Abstract

The direct method using a toluene scintillator has already been proposed for the determination of radon(222Rn) concentration in environmental water samples measuring with a liquid scintillation counter, because the parameters(the gas-liquid distribution coefficient, etc.) of toluene are well known. However toluene has a high volatility and deleterious health effects. This paper presents a measurement method for radon concentration in water using a conventional liquid scintillation counter and a simplified liquid scintillation counter with less hazardous scintillation cocktails. The measurement data have led to more accurate results using an integral counting method.